A fresh wave of political uncertainty has hit Delta State as cracks emerge within the ranks of the recently defected PDP leaders now aligned with the APC. Sources close to the situation reveal that former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has directed ex-PDP State Chairman, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, to swiftly reclaim the PDP’s structure across the state’s 25 local government areas amid growing fears of political isolation.
Despite publicly declaring their defection to the APC, many former PDP stalwarts have reportedly refused to register as APC members — a move raising eyebrows and fueling speculation about their true intentions. This hesitation, insiders say, has reignited internal power plays within both parties.
In a calculated move to secure future influence, Okowa is said to be positioning Esiso as the APC’s Delta Central senatorial candidate for 2027. With Delta Central long known as an opposition stronghold, securing the PDP structure there is seen as crucial to that plan.
Speaking anonymously from Abraka, a former PDP chieftain and close ally of Esiso, confirmed that groundwork is already being laid:
“Yes, Okowa has instructed Esiso to take back control of PDP structures statewide. We can’t leave things to chance. We’re reactivating our grassroots network as we speak.”
The source disclosed that Okowa’s original plan involved entrusting the PDP structure to Elder Emma Ogidi. However, escalating political tension and Ogidi’s advanced age have prompted a shift in strategy.
“With Ibori’s loyalists lurking and yet to make their intentions clear, leaving the party structure in limbo is too risky. We’re moving quickly to stabilise our base.”
He added that former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege still holds significant sway over APC ward and LGA structures, making it difficult for new defectors to gain a foothold.
“Omo-Agege won’t fold easily. Until there’s clarity on power-sharing within the APC, we’re keeping our options open.”
Meanwhile, discontent is simmering within the APC. The Chairman of APC in Ika South, Hon. Hilary Fada Ibude, revealed that a staggering 99.5% of PDP defectors have failed to register with the APC weeks after their dramatic defection.
“They made a big show of joining us, but only 0.5% have actually registered. Apart from the Delta Unity Group (DUG), most are still sitting on the fence,” he told journalists in Agbor.
Ibude warned that without formal registration, these defectors won’t be recognised as legitimate party members.
“If you’re not holding an APC membership card, you’re not part of this party. Registration is open to all, but seriousness must be proven — some may even need to surrender their former party ID cards.”
He stressed that while APC welcomes new members, no special treatment will be given:
“There are no guaranteed positions for newcomers. What we value is commitment. Only those ready to work will earn a place at the table.”
As 2027 draws closer, both the PDP and the APC appear to be locked in a high-stakes chess game, with loyalty, structure, and grassroots control as the key pieces on the board.